The Rockets' most heartbreaking playoff losses

April 28, 2013

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In 1986, the Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson-led Rockets got past the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers en route to the NBA Finals where they met Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Houston fell in a 2-0 hole but fought back to make the series 3-2. Nineteen points from Hakeem Olajuwon were not enough as the Celtics won the championship with a 114-97 victory in Game 6. Bird and Kevin McHale had 29 points apiece and Danny Ainge scored 19.

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In 1986, the Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson-led Rockets got past the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers en route to the NBA Finals where they met Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Houston fell in a 2-0 hole but fought back to make the series 3-2. Nineteen points from Hakeem Olajuwon were not enough as the Celtics won the championship with a 114-97 victory in Game 6. Bird and Kevin McHale had 29 points apiece and Danny Ainge scored 19.